Schumer seeks funds to update grape research lab

Sen. Charles Schumer is asking the USDA to include a plan to replace and modernize the Federal Grape Genetic Research Service Lab in Geneva.

The New York Democrat sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Thursday asking that the funds be included in the USDA’s 2016 spending plan to replace the outdated facility.

The lab provides information to New York grape growers through research programs and studies, including improved resistance to crop-killing disease, according to Schumer‘s office.

New York State has more than 1,600 family vineyards, and almost 40,000 acres of cropland, valued at over $52 million, which produces $4.8 billion in annual economic benefits for the state, according to his office.

“Failure to make this important investment would put the entire New York grape industry at undue risk,” Schumer stated. “The grape industry provides $4.8 billion in economic benefits for New York and supports thousands of jobs, not to mention the livelihood of many family-owned farms and vineyards. Without a new facility, many of those jobs could be put at risk.”

Jim Trezise, president of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, stated, in the same news release from Schumer’s office, that he appreciated the senator’s support.

“... Our industry has made enormous strides in terms of the number of wineries, quality of wines, and international reputation, and research has been a key part of that success. Researchers need modern, world-class facilities to do their job most effectively, and this initiative could provide that,” Trezise stated.